Cloth reel



Aug. 23, 1966 A. B. CLARK, JR

CLOTH REEL 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed June 4, 1964 INVENTOR. ALEXANDER B, CLARK, JR.

ATTORNEY Aug. 23, 1966 A. B. CLARK, JR

CLOTH REEL 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed June 4, 1964 INVENTOR. ALEXANDER B. CLARK, J12. BY W ATTORNEY Aug. 23, 1966 CLARK, JR 3,268,!36

CLOTH REEL Filed June 4, 1964 5 Shana-Sheet 5 BOTTOM BLANK FEEDING CUTTING AND Scomme ADHESIVE APPLICATION FOLDING +&

ADHESIVE DRYING *fi IEEE 9 ADHESIVE a ADHESIVE ----u- H] LABEL.

STACKING Caum-ma PACKING INVENTOR. ALEXANDER B. CLARK, JR.

ATTORNEY 3,2683%? 1C6 Patented August 23, 1966 3,268,069 CLOTH REEL Alexander 3. Clark, Jr., Box 2612, Hendersonville, N.C. Filed June 4, 1964, Ser. No. 372,613 3 Claims. (Cl. 206-50) This invention relates to cloth reels of the type upon which bolts of cloth are wound for shipment and sale, and especially to a method of assembly and symmetrical construction for the reel which is easily assembled and in which strength is added without the commensurate addition of material.

Cloth reels are most usually constructed from several blanks of cardboard which are first formed and then assembled to form the completed blank. Often the reels are constructed so that the center portion is substantially filled with the cardboard with the fluting of the cardboard arranged horizontally. Such blanks are relatively heavy and costly to manufacture and provide no substantial rigidity against torsional stresses. The invention of my Patent No. 2,981,406 issued April 25, 1961 has been successful in eliminating many of these disadvantages. The reel of the above patent, however, has only a single ta'b. forming the centrally disposed longitudinal rib and is thus of limited strength. In the construction of the reel of the above patent the machine for manufacturing same is relatively complicated since it is necessary to positively position the rib 15 when the blank is folded to form the reel.

Accordingly, it is an important object of the present invention to form a reel which has considerably more resistance to torsional stresses without substantially increasing the amount of material used.

Another important object of the invention is to provide a cloth reel having substantial resistance to torsional stresses from a single blank in which the reel is symmetrical and may be formed by a single folding motion through the application of symmetrical forces about the sides of the blank.

Another object of the invention is to provide a reel having increased strength due to the fiuting running at an angle to the scoring. One of the preferred embodiments has the scoring at an angle of 90 degrees to the longitudinal fluting. This is the most easily formed blank and pro: duces substantial rigidity against torsional stresses. .Another preferred embodiment of the invention includes fluting running at a 45 degree angle to the sides of the blank and in which the scoring is at a 45 degree angle to the fluting, so that the top and bottom of the reel have fiuting running diagonally in opposite directions and so that the sides also have fiuting running in opposite directions. The double rib portion also has fluting running in opposite diagonal directions in the central portion of the reel.

Another important object of the invention is to provide a method of constructing a cloth reel in which symmetrical forces applied to both sides of the reel result in the tab portions forming a double thickness central rib for the body of the reel to enhance the capability of the reel to resist torsional stresses.

Still another very important object of the invention is to provide a cloth reel and the like having substantial resistance to torsional stresses which is light in weight and which has a smooth surface.

The construction designed to carry out the invention will be hereinafter described, together with other features thereof.

The invention will be more readily understood from a reading of the following specification and by reference to the accompanying drawings forming a part thereof, wherein an example of the invention is shown and where- FIGURE 1 is a perspective view illustrating a. blank constructed in accordance with the present invention being folded preparatory to forming the body of a reel,

FIGURE 2 is an enlarged transverse sectional elevation taken on the line 22 in FIGURE 1,

FIGURE 3 is a perspective view illustrating a finished reel in accordance with the present invention,

FIGURE 4 is a perspective view illustrating a blank during the folding thereof for the construction of a reel in accordance with a modified form of the invention,

FIGURE 5 is a perspective view illustrating the completed body of the reel constructed from the blank illustrated in FIGURE 4,

FIGURE 6 is an enlarged transverse sectional elevation taken on the line 6-6 in FIGURE 5,

FIGURE 7 is a perspective view illustrating the completed reel formed from the blank illustrated in FIGURES 4, 5, and 6,

FIGURE 8 is a schematic plan view illustrating the method for forming cloth reels in accordance with the present invention,

FIGURE 9 is an enlarged transverse sectional elevation taken on the line 99 in FIGURE 8,

FIGURE 10 is an enlarged transverse sectional elevation taken on the line 1010 in FIGURE 8, and

FIGURE 11 is an enlarged transverse sectional elevation taken on the line 11-41 in FIGURE 8.

The drawing illustrates a cloth reel which includes a single rectangular section of cardboard having fluting. A first pair of scored portions A parallel to each other are provided across said fiuting in the top side of said blank. A second pair of scored portions B are provided which are parallel to each other and said first pair across the fluting in the top side of said section or blank. The portion of the section between the first pair of scored portions A and the portion of said section between said second pair of scored portions B form the sides of the reel. The portion of the blank between the first pair of scored portions and the second pair of scored portions form the bottom of the reel. A slit score at an angle of about 45 degrees to the section is made in the bottom of the section spaced from each free edge thereof the thickness of the reel, and parallel to the first scored portions forming a pair of longitudinal ribs with fluting therein disposed at an angle to the bottom of the reel when in assembled relation. The ribs butt in the medial portion of the reel with the free edges of the scored portions being closely adjacent each other in the top of the reel. An adhesive strip D is provided for fixing the free ends of the ribs in the medial portion of the inside bottom portion of the reel. The cloth reel illustrated in FIGURES 1, 2 and 3 has fiuting E running longitudinally of the blank. The blank illustrated in FIG- URES 4, 5, 6 land 7 has fluting F running at a 45 degree angle to the edges of the blank.

The method of making or constructing the cloth reel includes the forming of a single rectangular section of cardboard having fluting by a slitting or a die-cutting process. Then the top of the section is scored along two pairs of parallel lines across the fluting, said lines in respective pairs being spaced the thickness of the reel. Said pairs are also spaced the width of the reel. The bottom of the section is slit scored parallel to the side edge of the section and parallel to the first mentioned scoring at an angle of about 45 degrees to the section, said slit scoring being spaced from each side edge the thickness of the reel. forming a rib portion adjacent each side edge. Each rib is spaced from the first mentioned scoring one-half the width of the reel. Then simultaneously an inwardly directed force is exerted against each side edge of the section folding the section along the scored portion until the rib portions extend downwardly and abut one another. Then simultaneously each portion adjacent the ribs is pressed downwardly and the ribs adhesively secured in vertical relation to the bottom portion intermediate the sides of the section to complete the body of the reel. As explained above, the section or blank may best be formed with the fiuting running longitudinally of the blank or at about a 45 degree angle to the edges thereof.

Referring more particularly to the drawings, a blank is broadly designated at in FIGURE 1. The first pair of scored portions A define one of the sides 11 of the reel. The other side 12 is defined by the scored portions B. The portion of the blankor section between the sides 11 and 12 is the bottom of the reel designated at 13. The top of the reel includes a section 14 between the scored portions A and the slit score C. A second half of the top portion 15 is formed between the slit score C and the scored portions B. The portion of the blank between the slit score C and the side edges of the reel includes a pair of rib portions 16 and 17.

It is important to note that the ribs 16 and 17 butt up against each other as the sides are symmetrically folded inwardly and downwardly preparatory to being secured to the strip of adhesive material D. Thus, a pair of vertical ribs as shown in FIGURE 2 form a central rib for the reel offering substantial resistance to torsional stresses. It will also be noted that the upper portions 14 and 15 are closely adjacent each other in the area of the slit scored portions as is broadly designated at 18. Thus, the reel has a smooth outside surface in which little or no void is left in the top of the reel.

It will be observed that longitudinal fiuting is designated at E. This represents the simplest type of blank which can be formed since the blank can be formed by slitting. FIGURE 3 illustrates the addition of end panels 19 and 20 and labels 21 and 22.

FIGURES 4, 5, 6 and 7 illustrate a modified form of the invention in which like reference characters are used to designate like parts with prime notations added. A detailed description of FIGURES 4, 5, 6 and 7 would be repetitious so that such is omitted here. It is important to note, however, that the fiuting F is at about a 45 degree angle to the edges of the blank. Although it is necessary to die-cut such blanks, the considerable additional resistance to torsional stresses provided by the diagonal fiuting is highly desirable, particularly in large reels. It is also important to note that slit scoring at about 45 degrees, as illustrated at C is provided. Thus, the top 14 and 15 and bottom 13' of the reel has diagonal slit scoring running in opposite directions. This is also true of the sides 11' and 12 as well as the rib portions 16' and 17'.

FIGURE 8 illustrates schematically a device for practicing the method of the present invention. A conveyor broadly designated at 23 has side frame members 24 and 25. A conveyor belt 26 is mounted upon rollers 27 carried within bearing blocks 28 and is driven by a motor 29. The conveyor belt has a number of spaced cleats 30. The spaced cleats 30 prevent the blanks 10 from sliding on the conveyor belt A when they are passing beneath the scoring disc or wheels which are provided in pairs 31 and 32, respectively, for imprinting the scored portions A and B. The scoring discs 31 and 32 are mounted upon a driven shaft 33 which is mounted for rotation above the conveyor belt 26. The shaft 33 drives, through a bevel gear arrangement 34, shafts 35, which are mounted in bearings 28a. The shafts 35 carry rotary slit scoring knives 36 for cutting the slit scored portions C.

Referring especially to FIGURES 9, 10 and 11, it will be noted that a pair of spaced bars 37, having an inwardly turned edge portion 37a, are provided for engaging the side edges of the blanks 10. The blanks pass under the edge portions 37a as at a widened portion 37b (FIGURE 8) to begin the folding steps. It will be observed that the bars 37 are twisted progressively more inwardly and downwardly as indicated in FIGURE 10 for initially upwardly turning or folding the sides 11 and 12, as well as the top halves 14 and 15, and the ribs 16 and 17, by applying opposed forces to the edges of the blank .10 as the blank is moved forwardly between the bars 37 by the conveyor 23. The ribs 16 and 17 are illustrated in FIGURE 11 where downward forces are applied to the top portions 14 and 15 immediately prior to their being secured by the adhesive strip D. Since tabs are provided on both sides of the blank, the tabs 16 and 17 will engage or abut each other, as illustrated in FIGURE 11, to vertically position themselves for attachment through the glue strip D as a result of the further application of the downward forces by the bars 37.

It will be observed that the adhesive strip D is imparted to the medial portion of the upper surface of the blankthrough a wheel 38 which is mounted for rotation within the hinged carriage 39. Adhesive is supplied from the supply 40 through the nozzle 41. The supply 40, as well as the remainder of the glue imparting mechanism, is mounted upon a suitable support 42. It will also be observed that a laterally extending portion of the machine has side supports 24a and 25a and includes a conveyor belt 43, which is driven by a suitable drive from the motor 29. Adhesive is first applied adjacent the ends of the body of the blank preparatory to afiixing the end panel. Additional adhesive is then applied for affixing the label. The finished cloth reels are then stacked and counted preparatory to packing upon the table.

While a preferred embodiment of the invention has been described using specific terms, such description is for illustrative purposes only, and it is to be understood that changes and variations may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the following claims.

What is claimed is:

1. A cloth reel including, a single rectangular section of cardboard having fiuting, a first pair of scored portions parallel to each other across said fiuting in the top side of said section, a second pair of scored portions parallel to each other across said fiuting in the top side of said section, the portion of said section between saidfirst pair of scored portions and the portions of said section between said second pair of scored portions forming the sides of the reel, the portion of said section between said first pair of scored portions and said second pair of scored portions forming the bottom of the reel, a slit score at an angle of about 45 degrees to the section in the bottom of said section spaced from each free edge of the section the thickness of the reel and parallel to the first mentioned scored portions forming a pair of longitudinal ribs with fiuting therein disposed at an angle to the bottom of the reel, the portions of said section between the 45 degree slit scores and the next adjacent scored portions forming the top of the reel, said ribs abutting in the medial portion of the reel with the free edges of said scored portions being closely adjacent each other in the top of the reel, said ribs being vertical and perpendicular to top and bottom of the reel in the central portion thereof joining the top and bottom, said sides joining the top and bottom of the reel at marginal portions thereof, and an adhesive strip fixing the free ends of the ribs in the medial portion of the inside bottom portion of the reel.

2. A cloth reel including, a single rectangular section of cardboard having longitudinal fiuting, a first pair of scored portions parallel to each other at about a degree angle across said fiuting in the top side of said section, a second pair of scored portions parallel to each other at about a 90 degree angle across said fiuting in the top side of said section, the portion of said section between said first pair of scored portions and the portion of said section between said second pair of scored portions forming the sides of the reel, the portion of said section between said first pair of scored portions and said second pair of scored portions forming the bottom of the reel, a slit score at an angle of about 45 degrees to the section in the bottom of said section spaced from each free edge of the section the thickness of the reel and parallel to the first mentioned scored portions forming a pair of longitudinal ribs with fiuting therein disposed at an angle $0 116 bottom of the reel, the portions of said section between the 45 degree slit scores and the next adjacent scored portions forming the top of the reel, said ribs abutting in the medial portion of the reel with the free edges of said scored portions being closely adjacent each other in the top of the reel, said ribs being vertical and perpendicular to top and bottom of the reel in the central portion thereof joining the top and bottom, said sides joining the top and bottom of the reel at marginal portions thereof, and an adhesive strip fixing the free ends of the ribs in the medial portion of the inside bottom por tion of the reel.

3. A cloth reel including, a single rectangular section of cardboard having fiuting disposed at about a 45 degree angle with the edges of the section, a first pair of scored portions parallel to each other at about a 45 degree angle across said fiuting in the top side of said section, a second pair of scored portions parallel to each other at about a 45 degree angle across said fluting in the top side of said section, the portion of said section between said first pair of scored portions and the portion of said section between said second pair of scored portions forming the sides of the reel, the portion of said section between said first pair of scored portions and said second pair of scored portions forming the bottom of the reel, a slit score at an angle of about 45 degrees to the section in the bottom of said section spaced from each free edge of the section the thickness of the reel and parallel to the first mentioned scored portions forming a pair of longitudinal ribs with fluting therein disposed at an angle to the bottom of the reel, the portions of said section between the degree slit scores and the next adjacent scored portions forming the top of the reel, said ribs abutting in the medial portion of the reel With the free edges of said scored portions being closely adjacent each other in the top of the reel, said ribs being vertical and perpendicular to top and bottom of the reel in the central portion thereof joining the top and bottom, said sides joining the top and bottom of the reel at marginal portions thereof, and an adhesive strip fixing the free ends of the ribs in the medial portion of the inside bottom portion of the reel.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,160,221 5/1939 Masters et a1. 22914 2,746,667 5/1956 Murphy 229-14 2,981,406 4/1961 Clark 206- FOREIGN PATENTS 331,685 8/1903 France.

LOUIS G. MANCENE, Primary Examiner. 

1. A CLOTH REEL INCLUDING, A SINGLE RECTANGULAR SECTION OF CARDBOARD HAVING FLUTING, A FIRST PAIR OF SECOND PORTIONS PARALLEL TO EACH OTHER ACROSS SAID FLUTING IN THE TOP SIDE OF SAID SECTION, A SECOND PAIR OF SECOND PORTIONS PARALLEL TO EACH OTHER ACROSS SAID FLUTING IN THE TOP SIDE OF SAID SECTION, THE PORTION OF SAID SECTION BETWEEN SAID FIRST PAIR OF SCORED PORTIONS AND THE PORTIONS OF SAID SECTION BETWEEN SAID SECOND PAIR OF SCORED PORTIONS FORMING THE SIDES OF THE REEL, THE PORTION OF SAID SECTION BETWEEN SAID FIRST PAIR OF SCORED PORTIONS AND SAID SECOND PAIR OF SCORED PORTIONS FORMING THE BOTTOM OF THE REEL, A SLIT SCORE AT AN ANGLE OF ABOUT 45 DEGREES TO THE SECTION IN THE BOTTOM OF SAID SECTION SPACED FROM EACH FREE EDGES OF THE SECTION THE THICKNESS OF THE REEL AND PARALLEL TO THE FIRST MENTIONED SCORED PORTIONS FORMING A PAIR OF LONGITUDINAL RIBS WITH FLUTING THEREIN DISPOSED AT AN ANGLE TO THE BOTTOM OF THE REEL, THE PORTIONS OF SAID SECTION BETWEEN THE 45 DEGREE SLIT SCORES AND THE NEXT ADJACENT SCORED PORTIONS FORMING THE TOP OF THE REEL, SAID RIBS ABUTTING IN THE MEDIAL PORTION OF THE REEL WITH THE FREE EDGES OF SAID SCORED PORTIONS BEING CLOSELY ADJACENT EACH OTHER IN THE TOP OF THE REEL, SAID RIBS BEING VERTICAL AND PERPENDICULAR TO TOP AND BOTTOM OF THE REEL IN THE CENTRAL PORTION THEREOF JOINING THE TOP AND BOTTOM, SAID SIDES JOINING THE TOP AND BOTTOM OF THE REEL AT MARGINAL PORTIONS THEREOF, AND AN ADHESIVE STRIP FIXING THE FREE ENDS OF THE RIBS IN THE MEDIAL PORTION OF THE INSIDE BOTTOM PORTION OF THE REEL. 